Actively Recruiting
Metabolic and Clinical Evaluation of Medium-Chain Triglyceride-Based Exogenous Ketone Supplementation as an Adjunctive Treatment for First-Episode Psychosis
Led by Université de Sherbrooke · Updated on 2026-05-22
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the clinical and metabolic effects of adding exogenous ketones to antipsychotic treatment in young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis. This condition involves a range of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, motivation loss, cognitive challenges, and mood disturbances. The study aims to explore whether supplementing with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil can improve brain energy metabolism and overall health, addressing metabolic risks linked to both psychosis and antipsychotic medications. Participants will receive 15 grams of MCT oil twice daily, mixed into a beverage of their choice, for 12 weeks alongside their usual diet and antipsychotic treatment. This pilot study does not include a control group and focuses on the effects of this supplementation over the 12-week period. The intervention seeks to increase ketone levels in the blood and assess various metabolic and clinical outcomes. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of blood ketone levels, glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin at the start and end of the 12 weeks. Researchers will also monitor symptom changes, quality of life, continuous glucose levels, and cognitive function. Feasibility, safety, and adherence to the supplementation will be tracked to provide insights into potential benefits and inform future treatments for first-episode psychosis.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Recovery With Exogenous Ketones and Antipsychotics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Referred or self-referred to the PEP Clinic of the Estrie region, either as an outpatient or inpatient.
- Currently receiving a second- or third-generation antipsychotic at a stable dose for at least 4 weeks.
- Able to read and communicate in French or English.
- Capable of understanding and signing the informed consent form.
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnancy, childbirth within the past 6 months, or breastfeeding.
- Any use of MCT oil, ketone salts, or a ketogenic diet within the past year.
- Previous diagnosis of type I or type II diabetes.
- Uncontrolled acute suicidal ideation at the time of inclusion in the PEP clinic.
- Other conditions that may interfere with participation, as determined by the qualified physician.
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or liver failure.
- Metabolic condition affecting fat metabolism or inherited carnitine deficiency and its related enzymes.
- Porphyria.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency.
- Neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology or rare genetic disease.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants take 15 g of medium chain triglyceride oil emulsified in a beverage of their choice twice daily for 12 weeks alongside their antipsychotic medication.
Regular visits during the 12 weeks of supplementation
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Hotel-Dieu CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, J1H 4C4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Melanie Fortier, M.Sc
S
Stephen Cunnane, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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